I try to keep it simple on holidays (other than Christmas because, y'know, it's Christmas). But lately when it comes to Valentine's Day gifting, I haven't been able to help myself. I love to get the kids something I wouldn't necessarily buy 'just because.' This year I kept seeing things I thought would make such great Valentine's Day gifts and I couldn't wait to put them all in one place to share them with you! Unlike The Christmas Gift Guides, I focused on the age groups I buy for- big boys and teen girls. But regardless of your kids' ages, (and I'd take any of the teen gifts, thanks), I think you'll be inspired! Here are the 2025 Valentine's Day Gift Guides:

Back to school shopping used to be fun. Unlike when I was a kid, the lists now are very specific and very...how do you say...boring. For example: "Red folder. Black Expo Dry Erase Markers. 3" White Binder." No Lisa Frank or Trapper Keepers (showing my age here) allowed. The pro of a very specific back to school supply list is that you can skip the store and have all of the school supplies delivered right to your doorstep- which is precisely what I did! I did 90% of my school supply shopping on Walmart.com, back in May but I almost wish I'd waited because the rollbacks are insane! This time of year can be expensive so I'm happy to save where I can and Walmart makes it easy. Here's how to do your back to school shopping in MINUTES plus my favorite supplies from Walmart at the end!

I keep trying to not take family photos (so much work!) but I can't help it. I never regret a professional capture vs. the selfie that's required if I'm actually in the photo. We all know mom is behind the candid shots 99% of the time. I don't know how many times I've been frolicking with my kids wishing Joe had my same compulsive need to record everything that I posses. ha. Plus I love to include a professional picture in our Christmas card. You might not know this but I used to be a family photographer and loved providing consultations to my clients on choosing attire. So, here are my tips for choosing family outfits. 

Last year I took our family photos.  It was my second time taking them myself (the first was for our pregnancy announcement) so after a couple of semi-successful shoots, I want to share some things I've learned along the way. You might be asking why one would even consider DIY family photos.  Obviously it's not ideal.  But if any of these reasons apply to you, you might consider it!

We recently had our family photos done by the amazing Simply Mella.  At this point, it feels like a tradition that can't be broken.  Not that I want to break it...It's just this year was tough.  And I was SO tempted to skip it.  Genevieve has been being much more cooperative with photos but is currently in a naughty phase and Nadia...oh Nadia.  She's starting to turn a corner.  I can see it.  But for now...she's 2.  She's busy.  She's fiesty.  She's high energy.  But despite all that there's one constant: She's smiley.  Like always.  Except for that day.  Let's just say she was how old is too old to reveal digestive issues? uncomfortable.  In addition, the girls had a very busy day beforehand (definitely not wise on our part) going to a birthday party and a church function and crashing late.  So all that to say, this wasn't our best "shoot" ever and I was genuinely embarrassed at their lack of cooperation.

I love fall.  (It's what comes next that I'm not so crazy about).  Between enjoying the season and the wonderful bible study I'm participating in (with its abundance of homework), I really haven't had much time to blog.  Which--as always--makes me sad!  Nevertheless I thought I'd at least pop in and share some photos from two of my favorite fall traditions: apple picking and the fair.

I grew up camping.  It was basically our family vacation every year or two.  I have such fond memories of family time, roasting marshmallows (of course), and even traipsing through the dark-- terrified-- to get to the bathroom.  The great outdoors. What's not to love?

Over the last couple of years Joe has gotten very active (me not so much but that's another topic for another post).  And while I'm not the most active or athletic mama I know, as a kid up through my early adult years, I was.  As a kid we went on long bike rides, camped, and constantly had picnics (complete with kickball) at the lake.  My dad was a sports fanatic so we'd play tennis, basketball, softball, etc.  So when Joe declared that he wanted us to be an "active" family, I was all about it.  Did I realize at the time, that active = sleeping in a tent with two little animals (known as Genevieve and Nadia) + waking up with the sunrise at 5:00 am?  No...no, I didn't. But it's all good.  We survived.  Wanna know how?

Those of you who are my Facebook friends (or real life friends) know I take a pretty insane amount of photos.  Why?  I love photography and cultivating my skills, my kids are fairly cooperative, and though I'm biased, pretty cute,  I'm home with them, and I love documenting and writing.  So all of that leads to 1000s of photos a month! I try to post my faves to Facebook since that makes it so easy to keep up with friends and family who are far away, like all of my family is.  And if I'm being honest: It's sort of a crazy addiction too...like I feel "behind," if I have photos to edit/share that I haven't yet posted.  Which is totally ridiculous but I have a few friends out there who are so feelin me (you know who you are!).  While going through May and June photos I realized we did a few fun activities as a family during that time frame and wanted to share them here on Taste{Full}.  I don't often share personal photos but I personally love to see them on the others' blogs.  Plus and I'm always looking for ideas for activities suitable for young families.  So here's what's keeping us entertained lately:

I'm back from vacation.  I feel like life hasn't slowed down until today.  Now that it has, I wanted to take a few minutes and share our vacation via Instagram pictures. I figured that would be the easiest way to share a snapshot of vacation...since you're probably here for DIY or Parties...more than to look at pictures of my kids.  But you'll indulge me right?

I usually don't post photos of myself unless it's part of a family shoot...but I've mentioned how obsessed I am withNYC Pretty lately right?  I just discovered this blog and I can't even handle her beauty, amazing fashion, awesome photography, and short and sweet posts (anyone else's reading list too long to even dream of finishing?).  Well my mom and I did a snowy photoshoot the other day and I was trying my hardest to channel Christine. Let me pause here to say I'm not half the model she is, but I tried.  And my mom worked the camera for sure.  Here we go:




I have to say I'm proud of these pictures of my mom.  She makes it easy- she shines.  But I feel like I captured her joy, youthful spirit, and of course her beauty in these photos:

I can't believe this sweet girl is almost 15 months.  It's just a tiny bit sad!  I can't believe she's all grown up.  Talking a TON. Walking.  Running. Growing teeth.  Copying me. Laughing. Cuddling. Even went poo on the potty a couple of times!  Where did my baby go?

Ok, so for an amateur photographer, I'm pretty good.  But I don't know how she does it.  How does she take a ready-for-my-nap 11 month old and a I-know-I-cuddle-kiss-and-smile-all-the-time-at-home-but-I'm-gonna-show-you-who's-boss 2 year old and turn it into wonderful family photos?!  I don't know!  Who is "she?"  Melanie of Simply Mella.  If you remember our family photos from last year, you remember that I felt like there was no way she could have gotten so many great images.  I walked away feeling the same this year but reminding myself that Simply Mella is simply amazing!  Not only is she a wonderful photographer but she's passionate about what she does.  And it shows.  She's also super mellow.  It helped while Joe and I were corralling and cajoling the kids and trying our hardest to look like a happy family (I promise you, we really are happy!) instead of a bunch of stress balls which is how we felt at that particular moment.  If you haven't had family photos in a while, I encourage you to check out her site and her facebook page.  If you can find a free date book her (I told you last year to do it and you're kicking yourself for waiting aren't you?!)

Here are a few of my favorites:

Photography courtesy of Simply Mella. Thank you Melanie! You're the best!

Wardrobe:

• Joe- Gap Polo and Gap cargos.
• Tiff- Crochet Lace Trim Top, Coral Shirt from Forever 21 (not sold online but this one is very similar and so cute!), Belt from Target forever ago, and these amazing jeans (I feel young and skinny in them.  Enough said).
• Genevieve- Old Navy T, petti romper shorts from here.  
• Nadia- Lace Petti Romper from here.  <-- check them out; there is currently a deal on lace petti rompers! Tights from here.
• Our hair flowers were from The Icing (in the mall).  I spent way more on hair jewelry than I'd care to admit! ;) The girls' pearls were from here. I paid $2 each for them years ago and have worn them so often (I also love to layer them with other necklaces).  Such a great deal!